Colds

Summary

Colds usually last 1–2 weeks. However, you could get a bacterial infection after a cold, such as an ear infection or sinus infection, which may mean you’re unwell for longer.

How colds are spread

There are over 200 different viruses that can cause colds. These viruses spread through the air when someone with a cold sneezes or coughs.

You may also catch a cold by handling objects that were touched by someone with a cold.

You’re more likely to get a cold if you:

are tired, or emotionally or physically stressed

do not have a healthy diet

are a smoker or are exposed to second-hand smoke

live or work in crowded conditions.

People tend to get fewer colds as they get older because they build up immunity to some of the viruses that can cause colds.

Symptoms

You usually start having cold symptoms 1–3 days after contact with a cold virus. Symptoms may include:

scratchy or sore throat

a cough

sneezing and a runny or blocked nose

watery eyes

blocked ears

a slight fever (37.2 to 37.8°C)

tiredness and headache.

A cold is different from the flu (influenza). The flu usually develops more quickly. You’ll have fever and muscle aches within a few hours and will generally feel sicker than with a cold.

Treatment

Self care when you have a cold

Get plenty of rest.

Drink lots of fluids such as water.

Use a humidifier to increase air moisture, especially in your bedroom.

There are no medicines that cure a cold. However, you can treat your symptoms with medicines such as painkillers, nose drops or sprays, cough syrups and drops, throat lozenges and decongestants. (Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any of these if you’re already taking other medicines.)

Always read the medicine instructions and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Some medicines aren’t safe for children or for women during pregnancy. For example, Vicks VapoRub can be very dangerous if used on infants or young children, or if it is heated in any way.

When to see your doctor

Most colds last only a week or two and you probably won’t need to see a doctor. However, you should see your doctor if you get any of these symptoms with your cold:

an earache that gets more painful

wheezing, shortness of breath or trouble breathing

swollen, tender glands in your neck

chest pain

skin rash

a sore throat that gets more painful, or has white or yellow spots

a cough that gets worse or becomes painful.

Also see your doctor if you have:

a temperature of 38.6°C or higher that lasts more than 2 days

shaking chills

a headache that lasts several days.

If your lips, skin or nails look blue, or you’re feeling confused, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Call Healthline 0800 611 116 if you are unsure what you should do.

Prevention

You can help prevent the spread of colds.

Turn away from others and use tissues when you cough or sneeze.

Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Wash your hands often and especially before touching food, dishes, glasses and cutlery.